“Whatever you have to do to get the best lineup possible and give us a chance to win, that’s what you have to do,” Lawrie said.

The trade of Ben Zobrist, who often played second against lefties, created the opening at second. The subsequent acquisition of third baseman Danny Valencia, a right-handed hitter, created the impetus for Lawrie’s switch.

Valencia was at third and Lawrie at second Friday night against Houston lefty Dallas Keuchel. It was Lawrie’s fifth game, and third start, at second for Oakland.

Third base is a position at which players need quick reactions and a strong arm. Playing second base requires more range. Melvin believes Lawrie can handle each spot.

“You can see the type of athlete he is,” Melvin said. “He covers a lot of ground. He could probably play shortstop if he wanted to.”

Lawrie, again in downplay mode: “It’s not that big of a deal. (I’ve) just gotta go out there and make it as simple as possible.”

Briefly:Abbey Burns, the sister of A’s outfielder Billy Burns, threw the ceremonial first pitch Friday. Abbey, 31, is a member of the U.S. Paralympic swim team. ... Sean Doolittle (shoulder strain), on a rehab assignment with Class A Stockton, pitched a 1-2-3 inning against Rancho Cucamonga. ... The A’s acquired Class A right-hander DawrinFrias from the Mets as part of Tuesday’s deal that sent Eric O’Flaherty to New York. Frias, 23, is 0-2 with a 7.22 ERA this season, but does have 32 strikeouts in 282/3 innings.

Steve Kroner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

On deck

Saturday

vs. Astros

1:05 p.m. CSNCA

McHugh (13-5) vs. Chavez (5-11)

Sunday

vs. Astros

1:05 p.m. CSNCA

Fiers (0-0) vs.

Bassitt (1-4)

Monday

Off

Leading off

Rookie steals: Center fielder Billy Burns has 22 stolen bases, tied with Jemile Weeks (2011) for the most by an Oakland rookie since Luis Polonia had 29 in 1987. Mitchell Page set the franchise rookie record of 42 in 1977.